South Dakota House Bill HB1143

South Dakota 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/22
• Refer: 1/26/22
• Report Pass: 2/4/22

Caption

Require training on Native American law be provided to legislators and legislative staff.

Impact

The bill's passage would signify a proactive approach towards acknowledging and addressing the unique legal aspects pertaining to Native American communities in South Dakota. By implementing this training requirement, the legislature recognizes the importance of cultural competency in legislative processes. This could potentially improve the quality of legislation concerning Native American affairs and contribute to better relations between state government and indigenous populations.

Summary

House Bill 1143, introduced by Representative Bordeaux, aims to mandate training on Native American law for legislators and legislative staff in South Dakota. The intent of the bill is to enhance understanding of Native American legal frameworks and cultural considerations among lawmakers and their staff, thereby fostering a more informed and empathetic legislative environment. This two-hour training is to be provided to each new staff member of the Legislative Research Council, and the training materials will also be made available to current legislators to ensure widespread access to this important education.

Contention

While the bill may seem straightforward, it could face challenges regarding resources and implementation. Some legislators might express concerns about the appropriateness of mandating training as it could be perceived as unnecessary bureaucracy. Others might argue about the time constraints faced by legislators and staff, questioning if they can feasibly integrate this additional training into their busy schedules. Thus, discussions around the bill may highlight the need for balancing legislative responsibilities with educational pursuits.